Prince William caught in royal lodge controversy as palace issues firm denial

Kensington Palace has strongly denied sensational claims that Prince William “threatened” his cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, over their father Prince Andrew’s refusal to vacate Royal Lodge.

In a firm statement, the Palace clarified that “no meeting between Prince William and the princesses took place,” adding that “it would also be factually inaccurate to say the Prince of Wales can remove titles. Constitutionally he cannot.”

The controversy erupted after journalist Emily Maitlis, who conducted Prince Andrew’s infamous Newsnight interview, alleged on her podcast that the Prince of Wales had urged his cousins to persuade their father to leave the 30 room Windsor residence. 

Maitlis also claimed that “there was a tip from Buckingham Palace about passing traffic outside Royal Lodge,” which was “pulled out last minute.”

She further suggested that William warned the princesses he would “re-examine their royal titles” if Andrew refused to move a claim Kensington Palace has completely rejected.

The renewed scrutiny comes as mounting pressure builds for Andrew to give up Royal Lodge, with reports suggesting he may soon relocate to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s former home, Frogmore Cottage.